BASINGSTOKE is likely to be classed as a coronavirus ‘hotspot’ the day before restrictions are set to be lifted in England.

A map by Imperial College London says it is 97 per cent likely Basingstoke and Deane as a council area will have at least 50 cases per 100,000 people by July 18, a day before lockdown is due to end.

The university’s Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis classes areas with such a rate as a Covid-19 ‘hotspot’.

The Imperial College model is based on reported cases and weekly reported deaths, combined with mathematical modelling, which results in the probability of an area becoming a hotspot in the following weeks.

The map also states Basingstoke and Deane has an 88 per cent chance of recording more than 100 cases a week and a 58 per cent chance of seeing more than 200 cases per week come July 18.

Chineham currently has the highest rolling rate in the borough of 247.9 cases per 100,000, the area has recorded 19 cases, in the seven days to of June 29.

Bramley, Sherfield and the Sherbornes have the second highest rolling rate, with 20 cases as of June 29, giving a rate of 243.5 cases per 100,000 people.

The Prime Minister is expected to tell people in England today that it will be left to their “judgment” to manage coronavirus risks as he prepares to restore freedoms on July 19.

The Prime Minister will lead a Downing Street press conference later today, Monday, July 5, where he will tell the public that the country must “begin to learn to live with this virus” in the clearest indication yet that he is preparing to do away with a swathe of restrictions on daily life.

Mr Johnson will update the nation on the future of the one metre-plus rule in hospitality venues, the use of face coverings and work from home guidance, with multiple reports suggesting they will all be scrapped.

It has been suggested that from 'freedom day' on July 19 mask wearing will become voluntary, while social distancing in pubs and bars will end – along with needing to use a QR code to check-in – meaning a return to drinking at the bar without the requirement for table service.

Mass events, including festivals, will also reportedly be allowed under the proposals for the final stage of the road map out of lockdown.